Higher-welfare pig assurance schemes like RSPCA Assured set standards that go beyond legal minimums to address the key welfare concerns of commercially farmed pigs.
Farm assurance schemes represent a market mechanism for improving farm animal welfare above legal minimum standards. For pigs, the gap between legal minimums and higher welfare standards is substantial, making certification meaningful. However, scheme credibility depends on the rigor of standards, frequency of inspections, and willingness to decertify non-compliant farms. Consumer trust in welfare certification enables market premiums that fund better husbandry. Understanding which standards address the key welfare concerns for each species enables more informed product selection.